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Indian women’s football team beat Thailand 2-1 at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium to qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
Indian women’s football team qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup (X/AIFF)
Indian women’s football team beat Thailand 2-1 at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium to book their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Saturday. Sangita Basfore netted a brace.
India made history by winning qualifiers to book their spot for the first time in their history.
India had never previously reached the AFC Women’s Asian Cup through the qualifiers. The last time India qualified directly was in 2003 before the current format of qualifiers was introduced. India took part in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 as hosts but had to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak in the squad.
Midfielder Sangita Basfore was the standout player for India, scoring twice to secure a memorable victory. She opened the scoring in the 28th minute, giving the Crispin Chettri-coached team the lead.
Thailand, who were the favourites and ranked 24 places above India in the FIFA rankings, equalised through Chatchawan Rodthong shortly after the break in the 47th minute.
However, Basfore scored again in the 74th minute to restore India’s lead. The visitors then displayed resolute defending, holding their nerve to prevent Thailand from equalising again.
“I want to congratulate my team first. It’s because of them that I have been able to score these two goals. A huge thanks to the coaching staff as well,” Sangita was quoted as saying after full time.
“Our target is the World Cup. We’ll look at that going ahead. I also want to thank the fans and our families for supporting us,” she added.
How India Made History?
Coming into the game, Thailand, ranked 46th, 24 places above India were both equal in the qualifiers. The Blue Tigresses achieved flawless victories, defeating Mongolia 13-0, Timor Leste 4-0, and Iraq 5-0. Similarly, the Chabakaew triumphed over the same opponents with scores of 11-0, 4-0, and 7-0, respectively. Both teams now have a goal difference of +22, setting up an imminent knockout clash.
India had never previously defeated Thailand in women’s football, including a close 0-1 loss in the Asian Games in China last year.
However, this time, Sangita and her teammates made history by achieving victory.
This qualification gives the Blue Tigresses an opportunity to reach new heights, with a potential first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup berth in 2027. The journey to Brazil will pass through Australia next year.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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